This page is an explanation of my experience with the CYSE 270 Labs and what I learned.

Lab 1 Install Linux VM

This lab was the basic installation of a VM of Kali Linux on Windows 11 using Oracle VirtualBox. The Lab was not very difficult as I have installed VM’s before. Key lessons learned are about resource allocation for a VM and creating storage for a VM.

Lab 2 Working with Command line in Linux

This lab was about how to use a command line in Kali Linux. Again this lab was not very difficult as I have used a variety of different command lines before and they operate similarly. Key lessons learned are how to navigate the command line and use it more effectively.

Lab 3 Working with VI editor

This lab was about using the vi editor and the commands inside the text editor. This is where I started to face challenges as I was not as well versed in the vi text editor. Overall I was able to grasp the use of the text editor after experimenting with it. Key lessons learned are using the text editor similarly to a command line but with a different command structure.

Lab 4 Group and User Management

This lab was about Creating and managing users, their passwords, and what groups they have permissions to access. The challenges I faced were setting up the group permission structure and allowing access to authorized users only. Key lessons learned were how to make an admin user to allow access to a certain group of files and how to use the “sudo” command effectively.

Lab 5 Password Cracking

This lab was about making users and cracking their passwords. The challenges I faced were setting up the program “Jack the ripper” and using it to attack the directory housing the password of the users. Key lessons learned were how to strengthen user’s passwords and how to attack the passwords of users.

Lab 6 File Permissions

This lab was about setting specific users to read, write, and execute certain files. The challenges I faced were similar to lab 4 allowing certain users to read only. Key lessons learned were both the notation of read, write, and execute. and how to give permission to specific users.

Lab 7 Storage Management

This lab was about creating and adding partitions to the VM. The challenges I faced were the adjustments to my VM while having it be a snapshot to restore to defaults every time I opened it. Key lessons learned were the ability to make and allocate new partitions inside the VM.

Lab 8 Shell Script

This lab was about compiling code using the vi text editor and running it. The challenge I faced was the syntax of the code. Key lessons learned were key operations and defining user variables.

Lab 9 Task Automation

This lab was an extension of lab 8 by using the vi text editor can you make repeatable tasks. The challenge I faced were similar to lab 8 where making sure the syntax was correct. Key lessons learned were how to make a task and have it repeated based on time and date.

Lab 10 Networking Basics

This lab was about routing and how to read network IP’s. I experienced little to no challenge with this lab particularly because I have previously taken networking courses. Key lessons learned were how to use and decipher both IPv4 and IPv6.

Lab 11 Basic Network Configuration

This lab was about how to view and read network connectivity. The challenge I faced was some of the advanced network configurations. Key lessons learned how to read network configurations and check connectivity to other IP addresses.